The proposed Animal Welfare Bill could destroy the Buddhism based culture in Sri Lanka which has survived for more than 2500 years, UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena said today. He said the Bill could prevent the use of elephants in the historic Dalada Perahera as well. “The Bill prevents carrying heavy loads on elephants. One could interpret that the new legislation could prevent carrying the casket of relics on top of the elephant. The transport of animals has also been restricted,” he told a media briefing.

Also, he said the legislation has also restricted using collars and chains on domestic animals such as dogs. “This can be part of the government’s move to make Sri Lanka a secular state,” he alleged.